Kashmir is very rich in culture and diversity. It is also known as Paradise on Earth. The large population of this beautiful state is Muslim, but some Hindus even live in Jammu and Kashmir’s green meadows.
Here are some local festivals celebrated in Jammu and Kashmir:
1. Lohri
Lohri is celebrated every year on the 13th of January. This festival indicates the end of the peak winter season. It is mainly associated with the harvesting of rabi crops and as well as sugarcane crops.
The celebration of this festival is that a developing bonfire has occurred there in the mid-ground and all the people dance around it on drum beats. The rewrite, gur, peanuts, and popcorn are distributed to the people present to celebrate this festival.
Lohri is the Hindu festival, but when it comes to commemorating together whether that is Hindu or Muslim they celebrate together.
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2. Sri Rama Navami
Sri Rama Navami festival is celebrated on the birthday of Lord Rama. It is the main festival of the Hindu religion and has many religious significance. This festival is a part of Navratra, and it falls on the 9th day of Navratra as per the Hindu calendar. People keep fast on this day and worship Lord Shiva in different temples.
All the temples are very well decorated with flowers and many other things, and in temples, Rama Katha recitals have been marked. Free meals are also organized by a few people or by some temples to feed some devotees on this auspicious day.
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3. Tulip Festival
Kashmir is filled with a Tulip garden. This festival is celebrated every year, and it seeks the attention of all tourists in the whole world who come here to visit this festival. Many different varieties of Tulips are prepared for this special occasion, and on that day, the entire state flourishes with this flower during the Spring season. The people who are non-Kashmiri also enjoy the charming and breathtaking sight of the gardens enriched with tulips.
This celebration takes place in Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden, located in Srinagar where a variety of handicrafts, luscious cuisine, and a few cultural programs have occurred.
Read More: Kashmir is all set to Celebrate a 6-day Tulip Festival from April 3
4. Baisakhi
Baisakhi is a trendy and essential festival that is celebrated in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This particular day signifies the end of the winter season. This day is also the new year for Sikh religious people.
It is a significant festival for the people of Northern India and is celebrated by taking dips ritual in the holistic water. This day is extraordinary for Sikh religious people because their tenth Guru formed Khalsa in the year 1699.
Major attractions of this festival are: – doing prayers in Gurudwaras, listening to Kirtans, and organizing Langar for people.
Read More: Learn How to Baisakhi Celebration in Punjab with a complete Festival Guide
5. Hemis Festival
This ceremony is celebrated at Hemis Gompa which is the largest monastery in Jammu and Kashmir. On this day people enjoy dancing and playing musical instruments. To remember the birth anniversary of Padmasambhava, this auspicious day is celebrated. The government announces a state holiday for this day.
On this particular day, men wear a well-dressed traditional dress and women wear decadent jewelry and headgear. During the Hemis festival, the people who visit this state must participate in this festival.
More details: Hemis Festival Ladakh Detailed Information – Date, Attractions
6. Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha
Eid Al Adha and Eid Ul Fitr, are the two festivals that are celebrated by the Muslim community and have great significance. They celebrated this festival with great joy. This festival is celebrated worldwide by Muslims, but in Kashmir, a unique charm has occurred on this auspicious day. The festival is well known for Sacrifice Day.
On this day a particular typical routine is followed by Muslims during Eid Ul Adha and Eid Ul Fitr. Muslims also recommend an act of charity on the special occasion of both Eids.
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7. Shikara Festival
This festival is the latest added to the list of rituals in Jammu and Kashmir. This festival is celebrated every year from July to August. The main aim of this festival is to promote tourism.
The beautiful and fantastic Shikhara is painted and decorated with flowers and participates in the Dragon race, and Canoe Polo matches in Dal Lake.
This festival brings a bright smile to people’s faces as they feel delighted by organizing this cultural program.
Also Read: Learn About Popular Folk Dances of Jammu Kashmir
8. Gurez Festival
Gurez is a small and beautiful valley in the Himalayas, it has a perfect vision for seeing green meadows and mountains and is an ideal destination for rafting activities. The ceremony happened in this area during July or August.
Many crowds participate in this ceremony and show their talent with some outstanding handicrafts, cuisine, and culture. Some fun activities also happen on this day which include trekking, rafting, cycling, and zorbing.
Also Read: See some of the Best Festivals Enjoy in India in January
As per the latest reports, the Jammu & Kashmir tourism department is gearing up for the following festivals and events to promote the destination:
- Pahalgam Winter Festival
- Sonamarg Autumn Festival
- Gulmarg Snow Festival
- Khadinyar Cultural Festival
- Basohli Art Festival
- Mata Vaishnodevi Sangeet Sammelan
- Kishtwar Saffron Plucking Festival
More info about Jammu and Kashmir:
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- Heritage Places in Jammu & Kashmir
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